What is the e-resident digital ID card?

The e-resident digital ID card is a secure digital identity card issued by the Estonian government to non-residents who join Estonia’s e-Residency program. It enables you to access Estonian e-services and sign documents digitally, no matter where you are in the world.

Key facts

• It's a digital identity, not a travel document or residence permit.
• It contains a smart chip that enables secure authentication and digital signatures.
• It’s used mainly by entrepreneurs and freelancers who want to run a location-independent business.

What can you do with the e-resident digital ID card?

With your digital ID card, you can:

• Digitally sign documents - legally valid across the EU under the eIDAS regulation. 

• Log into Estonian e‑services - such as the Business Register, e‑Tax, and more. 

• Manage your Estonian company 100% online.
• Encrypt and send files securely.

• Authorize someone else to act on your behalf in Estonian e-services.

• Use the card as a loyalty card in stores when visiting Estonia for a longer period of time.

It's important to understand what the card cannot be used for:

• It is not a physical identification document and does not display a photo.
• It is not a travel document or visa.
• It does not provide citizenship, tax residency, or physical residence rights.
• It does not automatically grant you access to personal bank accounts or financial services (these are provided separately by private sector service providers).

What does the card look like?

The e-resident digital ID card is a plastic card with a smart chip, similar in appearance to a bank card or national ID. It displays

• Your full name
• Your 11-digit Estonian personal identification code (also acts as TIN number in Estonia)
• 6-digit CAN number
• Validity date

Electronic use of card 

When you receive your e-resident digital ID card, you 'll also get: 

• A security code envelope with the PIN and PUK codes. 
• A USB smart card reader (currently with USB type A connector)

To start using the card, you will need all of the following

• Your PIN codes;
• The USB smart card reader; 
• The ID software installed on your computer.

In case your computer does not have a USB Type-A connector, you will need to separately purchase either another smart card reader or a USB adapter. Read from ID help website, which alternatives are compatible. 

To use the card:

1. Download the ID software

2. Insert your card into the USB smart card reader and connect the smart card reader to your computer

3. Confirm your card is connected properly by opening the ID Software DigiDoc4. 

If you have already collected your card from the embassy, read Get started with your digital ID.